Scotland Takes Games 3 and 4 To Sweep USA Men

STIRLING, Scotland -- With a sizable Friday night crowd in attendance for the game between the USA and Scotland Men's National Teams, Scotland scored seven goals to rout the US Men in the third game of the four game test series between the two sides.

From the outset of the game the Scottish side controlled the match and kept the US squad on its heels. Using precision passing that sent the ball up the sides of the pitch and had the players entering into the offensive circle through the side areas, the Scottish men took advantage of their opportunities and found the net seven times throughout the contest. The US could mount little counter attack but did manage to score on a Will Holt penalty corner for the first goal and a nicely struck reverse stick shot from Moritz Runzi late in the contest for the second goal. However, it would not be enough as Scotland walked away with the victory.

Saturday served as a much needed rest day between matches and gave the US men an opportunity to rest and regroup before their final match on Sunday. With no hockey on the schedule the team was able to get out and explore the city of Edinburgh.

Taking the pitch for the fourth and final match on Sunday afternoon with a nice rest day behind them the US looked to increase the aggressiveness of their play and give Scotland a more contested match. Unfortunately for the Americans Scotland struck early as they earned four consecutive penalty corners early in the match, scoring on the fourth opportunity to take a 1-0 lead. Not long after Scotland would strike again when a missed call by the umpires gave Scotland the ball in a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Kevin Segeren to which they found the net once again to give themselves a 2-0 advantage. As the first half wound down Scotland would capitalize once more on an entry into the offensive circle by finding the goal to take a 3-0 lead that would last into the halftime break.

As the second half opened the Americans were faced with the daunting task of being down three goals but that did not curb their aggressive play. Early in the half the Americans earned a penalty corner that saw Jon Ginolfi send a shot that deflected off a Scottish defender's foot and into the back of the goal to get the US on the board. However, it would be soon after that Scotland would respond with another goal of their own to take a commanding 4-1 lead late into the half. As time wound down Will Holt would capitalize on another earned penalty corner for the second goal of the match for Team USA but time would end up being the enemy, giving Scotland the 4-2 victory and a sweep in the series.

The US looks to rebound as they have arrived in Lilleshall, England to take on the English National Team A-Squad for a two game series. Look to facebook and USA Field Hockey's website for updates about the games and player blogs! GO USA!